NFL Rumors: Pittsburgh Steelers Considering Reunion With Free Agent Linebacker

The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly interested in bringing back linebacker Bud Dupree, who was recently released by the Tennessee Titans after just two years into his five-year contract.

Dupree spent the first six seasons of his career with the Steelers, where he established himself as a top pass rusher in the league with 39.5 sacks, 54 tackles for loss, and a career-high of 11.5 sacks in 2019.

I’m told the #Steelers have preliminary interest in bringing back Edge Rusher Bud Dupree if they deem “he’s healthy,” a source said. Dupree’s name has definitely come up in Pitt. We’ll see if they end up together once he sorts out his market following his release from Tennessee.

— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 16, 2023

Despite the high expectations that accompanied his signing with the Titans, Dupree's tenure in Tennessee was hampered by injuries that limited his playing time to just 11 games in his first season and caused him to miss six games in the following season due to a hip injury.

With his release, there are now reports that he could return to the Steelers, where he would reunite with his former team and their strong group of pass rushers, including T.J. Watt, Cameron Hayward, and Alex Highsmith.

However, it remains to be seen if the Steelers will pursue Dupree, as they have other needs to address this offseason.

Additionally, Dupree will need to prove that he is healthy before signing with any team.

Nonetheless, a reunion with the Steelers could be the best fit for Dupree, as their system is well-suited to his skills, and he has already proven his production within their defensive scheme. Photo Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports